Carroll County, MD Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 93.01(C)(3)(a)
- Setback distance
- 300 feet from a residence
- Consent option
- written permission from neighbor
- Civil fine
- up to $1,000
- Exemptions
- farm, emergency, law-enforcement vehicles
- Adopted
- Ord. 2022-05, passed 5-5-2022
- No general muffler law
- park-only muffler rule, § 94.035
Summary
Carroll County does not regulate ordinary car stereos, mufflers, or engine brakes countywide, but it does limit off-road recreational vehicles. Under § 93.01(C)(3), a dirt bike, ATV, go-cart, snowmobile, or similar gas-powered vehicle cannot be run on private property within 300 feet of a neighboring home without that neighbor's written permission.
(3) Non-commercial off-road vehicle use, setback requirements. (a) A person may not operate, or permit to be operated, an off-road internal combustion engine-powered recreational vehicle, including but not limited to a dirt bike, an all-terrain vehicle, a go-cart, a snowmobile, or a similar vehicle, on private property closer than 300 feet to a neighboring residence or the associated curtilage, without the written permission of the impacted resident.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through July 30, 2026).
Full Breakdown
01(C)(3)(a) of the Noise Disturbances chapter bars operating, or permitting the operation of, a non-commercial off-road internal-combustion recreational vehicle, including but not limited to a dirt bike, an all-terrain vehicle, a go-cart, or a snowmobile, on private property closer than 300 feet to a neighboring residence or its curtilage, unless the impacted resident has given written permission. Division (C)(3)(b) exempts agricultural vehicles, off-road vehicles used for law enforcement, fire, emergency, or other governmental purposes, and vehicles used for routine access to a property as determined by the Sheriff's Department.
035, applies solely to vehicles operated inside county parks), and no engine-brake or 'Jake brake' restriction. The 300-foot setback and written-permission rule were added by Ord. m.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 93.01(C) is a civil infraction carrying a fine of up to $1,000, issued by the Sheriff's Office without a prior warning. A person ordered to stop an off-road vehicle's noise who refuses or fails to comply commits a separate misdemeanor, punishable on conviction by a fine of up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail, or both, under § 93.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carroll County limit how loud I can play my car stereo?
Can I ride a dirt bike or ATV on my own property?
Is there a countywide muffler law for cars and trucks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carroll County
Compare Carroll County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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